28 September 2004

South Africa has declared its readiness to serve as a permanent member of a restructured United Nations Security Council "fully sensitive to the interests and aspirations of all countries and peoples" - and dismissed speculation that the announcement could spark a diplomatic row with Egypt and Nigeria.

On Friday, President Thabo Mbeki said South Africa was ready to serve on the UN institution, a view supported by Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

Nigeria and Egypt have also announced their intention to lobby for permanent seats on the body.

Since the announcements, reports have surfaced speculating that these moves could spark a diplomatic row among the three countries.

In a statement released on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it viewed speculation on such a sensitive matter as regrettable.

The department said that Mbeki's announcement followed debates in the UN regarding the restructuring of the Security Council and inquiries from many African countries and others outside the continent about South Africa's willingness to serve on the institution.

The department said that Africa had always argued for two permanent seats for the continent in a restructured Security Council.

"Accordingly, our announcement does not represent competition against any other African country or countries", the department said.

South Africa would continue to work with fellow African countries to ensure that the outcome of the process was in the best interests of the people of Africa and the world.

"In this context, South Africa is ready to serve as a permanent member of a restructured United Nations Security Council fully sensitive to the need to respect the interests and aspirations of all countries and peoples, and the imperative to build an equitable and humane global order."

Source: BuaNews

	President Thabo Mbeki addresses the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, 22 September 2004 (Photo: United Nations)

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